"It is my conviction that killing under the cloak of war is nothing but an act of murder."
-Albert Einstein
Growing Mistrust
The My Lai Massacre resulted in many changes in the people’s opinion regarding the military. Some felt that the massacre displayed the inability of military officers. Many felt that the heavy casualties of the war resulted in a lack of well trained and experience soldiers. Other critics believed the massacre displayed the issues associated with the military’s belief in unconditional obedience to orders. The court trials that followed the massacre displayed issues with the military’s policy regarding command responsibility.
The My Lai massacre enraged those who were against the war. The public was shocked to learn of the violence associated with the American army.
The attempted cover up of the massacre further enraged the people. Because the event was hidden from the public for eighteen months, many began to feel the military was associated with a lack of integrity and associated with too much secrecy. Many felt that the military used Calley as a scapegoat for their actions.
As a result of the massacre the Medina Standard was developed. This law holds a commanding officer responsible when he does not take action against violations of human rights or war crimes.
The My Lai massacre enraged those who were against the war. The public was shocked to learn of the violence associated with the American army.
The attempted cover up of the massacre further enraged the people. Because the event was hidden from the public for eighteen months, many began to feel the military was associated with a lack of integrity and associated with too much secrecy. Many felt that the military used Calley as a scapegoat for their actions.
As a result of the massacre the Medina Standard was developed. This law holds a commanding officer responsible when he does not take action against violations of human rights or war crimes.
Learning from Mistakes of the Past
The My Lai Massacre resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Vietnamese. When the nation learned of the atrocities committed by American Soldiers, their opinions of the military were forever changed. Despite the controversy and the deceit associated with the massacre, it is something that should not be forgotten.The massacre raises questions regarding the humanity and morality of war. Before this massacre, Americans never thought their own soldiers would be capable of such violence. As painful and shocking as the details of the My Lai Massacre are, they are opportunities to learn from the mistakes of the past in order to improve the future.
